India secured the US terror designation for Pakistan-backed The Resistance Front (TRF) just weeks after the Pahalgam attack. “India acted within 3 days of the attack and provided us with concrete proof,” said a senior Indian official. Intelligence linked TRF to Lashkar-e-Taiba and mastermind Sheikh Sajjad Gul. The US designation validates India’s evidence and exposes Pakistan’s terror links. “This is a setback for Pakistan’s attempt to shield TRF,” sources said. However, India faces resistance at the UN from China and Pakistan. TRF remains central to Pakistan’s proxy war in Kashmir under the false guise of local insurgency. (PC: News18)

A Coldplay concert turned scandalous when the ‘kiss cam’ caught Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot canoodling at Gillette Stadium, Boston. As the crowd watched, frontman Chris Martin joked the pair “must be having an affair.” The footage showed Byron with his arms around Cabot as she quickly covered her face and turned away, while Byron ducked to avoid the spotlight. The incident has gone viral, sparking workplace gossip and media frenzy over the alleged affair between the tech tycoon and his HR chief. Neither Byron nor Cabot have commented on the incident so far. 

Three Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies were killed in an explosion at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy in East Los Angeles. The blast occurred at 7:30 am near a Bomb Squad vehicle. While initial reports suggest it may have been accidental, the FBI has launched a probe. The facility, used for specialized law enforcement training, was evacuated as a precaution. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed, and state support has been offered. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed federal agents are on-site. Authorities are investigating potential safety lapses and the presence of hazardous materials at the scene. (PC: HT)

Lashkar-e-Taiba and its offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), are relocating their headquarters from Muridke to Bahawalpur in Pakistan’s Punjab, sources told India Today TV. The move follows the US officially designating TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). Indian agencies say the Pakistani Army is facilitating the co-location of both terror groups. TRF, behind the Pahalgam attack killing 26 civilians, operates as a Lashkar proxy under the guise of Kashmir militancy. Intelligence reports indicate TRF acts under orders from Pakistan’s military. The US cited the attack while reaffirming its commitment to fight global terrorism. (PC: India Today)

North Korea has abruptly banned foreign tourists from visiting its newly opened Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, weeks after its grand launch on July 1. The resort, featuring hotels, malls, and a water park, was part of Kim Jong Un’s tourism push. Russian tourists had just begun visiting, with Moscow-Pyongyang flights set to start soon. Despite earlier promotion for foreigners, North Korea’s tourism site now says the ban is “temporary.” Human rights groups have long criticized the resort’s labor practices. Last year, Pyongyang briefly allowed Russian and Western tourists after its pandemic tourism freeze but halted visits without explanation. (PC: BBC)

A young woman was brutally attacked inside a crowded Kyiv metro train in Ukraine on July 17 after she allegedly shouted pro-Russian slogans like "Glory to Russia." Viral footage shows a man repeatedly slapping and kicking her as bystanders watched. Ukrainian media claimed she provoked the assault with anti-Ukrainian remarks. Russian outlet RT accused Ukraine of hypocrisy, saying the crowd justified the violence. Police in Kyiv have launched an investigation to identify everyone involved. Authorities urged citizens to report crimes to police rather than take matters into their own hands. The woman was eventually forced off the train.

Donald Trump has reversed his Ukraine stance, pledging $10 billion in Western-funded U.S. weapons for Ukraine and threatening 100% tariffs on Russia and its buyers—especially China and India—if no ceasefire occurs in 50 days . The proposed Graham‑Blumenthal bill could hike tariffs to 500% on Russian energy importers, directly impacting India, a major Russian oil buyer . NATO chief Rutte warned Delhi, Beijing and Brasilia to “brace up” for consequences . India may face a dilemma: risk U.S. sanctions or pivot toward Western trade and defence integration . With European leaders uneasy about footing the bill, New Delhi must balance securing a U.S. trade deal, deepening defence cooperation, and safeguarding national interests amid shrinking geopolitical space. (PC: Reuters)

President Donald Trump has ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek court approval to release grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein, following a Wall Street Journal report alleging Trump sent Epstein a sexually suggestive birthday letter in 2003. Trump denies authorship, calling the letter “fake” and threatening to sue the Journal, NewsCorp, and Rupert Murdoch. The Justice Department recently stated Epstein died by suicide and dismissed claims of a “client list.” Trump’s move comes amid mounting pressure from supporters demanding transparency. The letter, reportedly featuring a nude sketch and cryptic message, has reignited controversy over Trump’s past ties to Epstein and the administration’s handling of related files. (PC: Vanity Fair)

Actor Vijay Deverakonda has been hospitalised after being diagnosed with dengue, just weeks ahead of the release of his much-anticipated film Kingdom on July 31. The actor is currently receiving treatment and is expected to be discharged within a couple of days. Sources close to the actor confirmed that his condition is stable and he is recovering well. Fans expressed concern on social media, wishing him a speedy recovery. Deverakonda has been busy promoting Kingdom, which is set for a nationwide release. His team assured fans that he will resume engagements once his health improves. (PC: India Today)

The UK government has announced plans to lower the voting age to 16 for all elections, fulfilling a Labour manifesto promise. Deputy PM Angela Rayner said the move aims to boost youth participation and break down barriers to democracy. If passed, it will align the UK with Scotland and Wales, where 16-year-olds already vote in devolved polls. The reforms come amid record-low voter turnout of 59.7% in 2024. The government also unveiled measures to prevent foreign influence, including tighter donation rules, higher fines, and stricter checks on donor companies’ legitimacy to safeguard election integrity. (PC: X)